A new bridge is among proposals to ease congestion at one of Belfast’s busiest traffic junctions.

The £125million plan would create direct links between the Westlink, M2 and M3 at York Street, Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said yesterday.

The York Street bridge may also provide a new bus lane into the city and better pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Mr Kennedy said: “This is one of the most ambitious schemes planned for Belfast for decades and I would encourage everyone who cares about the development of our road infrastructure to get involved and take part in the public consultation process.”

If approved, the project could take up to three years to complete.

CBI Northern Ireland director Nigel Smyth added: “We would encourage the minister to look at other traffic management measures in the meantime that can be introduced to help reduce congestion along the M1 between Sprucefield and Belfast.”